Farro can be used as a substitute for pasta or rice.In its natural, non-processed form, it has pointed grains which are harder than standard wheat and that require a longer processing and cooking time.It has a similar flavor to brown rice.If you use the more processed versions of the grain, preparing farro is fairly easy.
Step 1: You can choose the type of farro.
Whole, semi-pearled, and pearled forms of this grain can be purchased.It takes more time to cook whole-grain farro than it does semi-pearled or pearled.It has an earthier, nuttier flavor than the more processed versions.A whole-grain farro cooks in about half the time as a semi-pearled one because the bran has been scored.It doesn't have as much nutrition as whole-grain farro.The farro's bran has been removed.It is the least healthy form to consume.
Step 2: If you wish, soak the farro.
It's not necessary to soak semi-pearled and pearled farro in order to cook it whole.Place the farro in a bowl and put it in the fridge for up to 16 hours.
Step 3: Remove the farro.
The farro should be placed in a fine-gap mesh colander and washed with cool, running water.Regardless of whether or not you soaked the farro, this step should be performed.
Step 4: Bring the water and salt to a boil.
When the water reaches a rolling boil, combine it with the salt in the saucepan.
Step 5: Put the farro in it's place.
Make sure that the farro is completely submerged in the water.The water should slow down.The farro and water can be added at the same time.Simply allow the water to reach a boil with the farro in it and reduce the heat after a rolling boil is reached, stirring to prevent it from sticking to the side or bottom of the saucepan.
Step 6: Cook until you like it.
Depending on the type of farro you use, the cooking time can range from 15 to 40 minutes.If you are cooking whole farro and it has not been soaked, you can boil it for up to 3 hours.Allow dry whole farro to cook for 30 minutes.Allow a whole farro to be pre-soaked to cook for 15 minutes.For a tender texture, cook whole farro for 40 minutes.Allow a pre-soaked whole farro to cook for 25 to 30 minutes.Allow dry whole farro to cook for 60 minutes.Allow the farro to cook for 40 minutes.Farro should last for 35 to 45 minutes.After the first 20 minutes, check the texture every 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 7: Excess water should be drained.
Depending on how long you cook the farro, there may be extra water in the bottom of the saucepan.
Step 8: Warm serve.
Allow the farro to cool down.
Step 9: The farro can be cooked in a rice cooker.
Add 1 cup of farro and 3 cups of water to the rice cooker and cook for 45 minutes.Use soaked farro.The farro needs to be soaked for at least 8 hours.The time should be set to 45 minutes.The "Brown Rice" setting is used if your rice cooker has settings for different types of rice.
Step 10: The farro should be prepared in a pressure cooker.
Cook for 10 to 15 minutes with 1 cup of farro and 3 cups of water.You don't need to soak the farro since it will cook in roughly the same amount of time either way.For two to three whistles, cook the farro.
Step 11: Farro can be served in a salad.
Before serving, cook the farro and other ingredients separately.Add a dash of extra virgin olive oil and wine vinaigrette to make it taste better.Let stand for 30 minutes to an hour.Before serving, add fresh parsley and basil.You could add diced peppers, black olives, steamed greens, or cold poached seafood.
Step 12: Farro can be prepared with pasta.
Just before serving, cook the two separately and toss them together.Small pasta, like orzo, works best, but any type of pasta can be used.The dish can be served warm or cold.The tomato-based sauces complement the flavor very well.
Step 13: Add some beans and cheese.
Farro, beans, and cheese can be used in a number of dishes.A type of risotto can be made by sauteing onion, sweet peppers, garlic, and pinto beans.Add cooked farro and pour 2 cups of vegetable or chicken soup into the mixture.It is a good idea to cook off each addition and serve it with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.Add 2 cups of pinto beans to cook farro.A small amount of cheese or walnuts can be added to the mix.
Step 14: The farro was sweetened.
You can cook farro with honey and ricotta cheese.If you want, sprinkle cinnamon on it.
Step 15: It's a good idea to toss with mushrooms.
Farro can be used to cook Portobello and wild mushrooms.Put the oil in the skillet.Portobello mushrooms or wild mushrooms have a diced onion in them.A splash of white wine can be used to deglaze the pan.Throw with warm farro.